THE JET BOY BANGERZ Drops Dance Anthem “HEAD UP” Featuring Japanese Hip-Hop Icon Zeebra

THE JET BOY BANGERZ from EXILE TRIBE (TJBB) ushers in a bold new era with their latest retro-future anthem, "HEAD UP introduced by Zeebra." Drawing inspiration from 80s electro, heavy bass, and foundational techno, the track is an explosive showcase of the group's signature precision and vocal grit.

"'HEAD UP' is a song that reflects TJBB's unstoppable energy," says member YUHI. "It is a declaration that we will change the future of the scene and continue moving forward no matter what anyone says." The collaboration marks a historic cultural hand-off as Zeebra, the legendary pioneer of Japanese hip-hop, joins forces with TJBB to connect the roots of street culture with its future.

SOURCE: LDH JAPAN

YUHI notes that by bringing together the veteran legend and the new generation, the group achieved a more authentic retro-future sound. He said, "With Zeebra's participation, the song and its performance gained not only our own momentum but also greater credibility and weight."

Since their debut, TJBB has established itself as a dominant chart-topping force. Their EP "PHOTOGENIC" claimed the No. 1 spot on the Oricon Weekly Album Ranking, while their first full-length album, "JET BOY", hit No. 1 on the Oricon Daily Chart, rapidly expanding their fanbase across Japan and beyond. This commercial momentum, paired with a viral appearance on "America's Got Talent" that has surpassed 827,000 views, cements TJBB's status as a global powerhouse in the evolution of Japanese dance culture.

SOURCES: LDH JAPAN

SOURCES: LDH JAPAN

SOURCES: LDH JAPAN

Beyond their recording success, TJBB is rapidly gaining ground as a powerhouse live act. Their standout performances at MIXEDPOP Music Festival Bangkok 2025 and MUUJI Festival 2026 represent a major leap in their Southeast Asian expansion. Looking ahead, the group aims to solidify their presence and captivate new audiences with their upcoming Live Tour ~JET BANGING~, launching in September 2026.

"HEAD UP introduced by Zeebra" is now available for digital streaming, with a physical release scheduled for 18th March 2026.

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Singapore Ballet Returns To Kuala Lumpur With “Ballet Illuminations 2026”

The much anticipated "Ballet Illuminations" makes its annual comeback this year, from 17th to 19th April. Marking its return to Malaysia, Singapore Ballet brings a carefully curated selection of works that reflect the breadth and artistry of the company's repertoire. This year's programme offers audiences a distinctive triple bill, pairing classical brilliance with contemporary expressions.

Held at KLPAC in Sentul Park, Kuala Lumpur, the two-hour magical ballet show will be presenting the dazzling classical showpiece "Paquita" by Marius Petipa, the tender yet expansive "Evening Voices" by Tim Rushton, and "Shadow's Edge" by Ma Cong, a dynamic work that highlights the individuality and artistry of Singapore Ballet's dancers.

Below are the details for each show.

"Shadow's Edge" by Ma Cong

Romantic, refined and emotionally resonant, "Shadow's Edge" is a poetic exploration of connection and longing by acclaimed Chinese choreographer Ma Cong. Created for Singapore Ballet's Dans Festival in 2014 and last performed at the Singapore Ballet Festival 2025, the piece returns to the international stage with renewed poignancy.

"Evening Voices" by Tim Rushton

Created for Singapore Ballet in 2018, "Evening Voices" is a haunting and contemplative work that draws the audience into a shadowy realm shaped by the powerful vocals of the Ukrainian National Choir. Originally created for Singapore Ballet's Passages in 2018 and last performed at the Singapore Ballet Festival 2025, this work by Tim Rushton reveals layers of mystery and stillness.

"Paquita" by Marius Petipa

Inspired by the full-length ballet, this standalone piece features a dynamic sequence of pas de deux and solo variations. With its focus on brilliant technique, the piece culminates in a grand coda that showcases both style and character, earning it a reputation as a ballet of great distinction. Last performed at Ballet Under the Stars 2025, "Paquita" showcases a predominantly female cast, with just two male dancers, and continues to hold its place in the repertoires of world-renowned ballet companies.

Singapore Ballet Masterclass

Experience an exclusive masterclass led by Janek Schergen, Artistic Director of Singapore Ballet. Participants will gain first-hand insights into the standards, discipline and artistry required at the highest professional level. The masterclass is open to dancers aged 13 and above with RAD Intermediate-level training or equivalent.

During the masterclass, two scholarships will be awarded to outstanding Malaysian students, offering them the opportunity to join Singapore Ballet's elite training programme for two weeks. This initiative reflects the company's ongoing commitment to nurturing young talent across the region.

The masterclass will be conducted by Artistic Director Janek Schergen on 18th April, from 10am – 11.30am, at Pentas 1, KLPAC. A special bundle comprising a performance ticket along with a masterclass is available at a special price for ballet students.

Date & Time:

• 17th April 2026, 8pm
• 18th April 2026, 8pm
• 19th April 2026, 2pm

Venue:

Pentas 1, KLPAC

Ticket Price:

• RM 75 | RM 260 for every 4 tickets
• RM 45 | RM 160 (Concession for Students / PWDs / Seniors > 60)
• Masterclass: RM 75 (Masterclass only) | RM 140 (Masterclass + 1 performance ticket)
• Early Bird Discount (till 13th March): RM 60 for regular tickets | RM 130 (Masterclass + 1 performance ticket)

Get your tickets here. For full programme details and updates, visit here.

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How Punch The Baby Monkey Became The Internet’s Latest Obsession

In a world where social media brings fame to even the most unexpected of stars, one 7-month-old monkey named Punch has unwittingly captured the hearts of millions. Punch, known as Panchi-kun locally, is a baby macaque at Ichikawa City Zoo in Chiba, Japan, near Tokyo. Born in July 2025, he was abandoned by his mother shortly after birth. The zookeepers were quick to take Punch under their gentle care.

During his first few months of life, he struggled to bond with the older monkeys in his zoo's enclosure. Soon, he had found his one and only friend in the form of an IKEA DJUNGELSKOG orangutan plushie provided by the zookeepers in lieu of maternal affection, which has now become his constant companion.

View this post on Instagram

In photos and videos that have now gone viral across the internet, Punch clings to the emotional support toy, tugging at everyone's heartstrings. He wraps himself around the plushie (that is easily bigger than he is) while he sleeps, carries it on his back, and when he's frightened or overwhelmed, he presses his face into it, as if trying to disappear. The internet has been flooded with reactions to heartbreakingly adorable footage of Punch, with many ready to fight anything and anyone for the baby monkey.

@petflix07

My heart goes to you Punch 🥺 #punch #punchthemonkey #monkey #plush #japanmonkey

♬ som original – rhz

Source: X/husafell_stone

But all hope is not lost for Punch. Fortunately, things have started looking up for everyone's favourite baby macaque. It appears that he's starting to make living, breathing monkey friends. As his story continued to cause worldwide despair, recent clips show other macaques involving Punch in their groups, playing nicely with him, cuddling him, and even doing some mutual grooming, easing worries that he would be forever lonely in the enclosure.

"He's getting groomed, playfully poking at others, getting scolded, and having all sorts of experiences every day, steadily learning how to live as a monkey within the troop!" the zoo wrote in a post on X.

Source: X/ichikawa_zoo

His popularity in Japan is only growing, as hundreds of visitors flock to Ichikawa City for a glimpse of Punch and his stuffed orangutan. Apparently, IKEA has also reported a surge in the sale of the plushie which has sold out in stores across Japan, the United States, and South Korea. They featured him in their advertising campaigns, promoting the message that "sometimes family is who we find along the way", and even donated a mountain of plushies to the zoo.

View this post on Instagram

There's no doubt that Punch is just as cute as he can be, but there's something else that hits home for millions of people watching him. He has become a symbol of resilience, hope, and the universal truth that everyone deserves and is capable of being loved. The key message here is to be patient and keep trying.

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From DOLLA To no na: Southeast Asian Girl Groups You Need On Your Playlist

Not long ago we highlighted some of Southeast Asia's rising boy bands, so it's only fair that the girlies get their moment too. Across the region, girl groups are serving powerhouse vocals, striking visuals and unapologetic confidence.

From viral TikTok hits to chart-dominating acts, these artists are redefining what it means to be a regional pop star. If you're ready to discover your next obsession, here are some Southeast Asian girl groups you should absolutely start listening to.

1. DOLLA

Of course we have to start with our favourite local act. Members Sabronzo, Tabby and Angel have consistently shown they possess the visuals, vocals and star power that continue to make Malaysia proud.

Known for their sleek concepts and confident stage presence, DOLLA have helped push Malaysian pop into a more polished, global-facing direction. With every release, they prove why they remain one of the region's most recognisable girl groups.

2. no na

They recently blew up on TikTok with their catchy track "Work", and it's easy to see why. The punchy lyrics, addictive beat and sharp choreography perfectly capture their bold, fearless energy.

Their music exudes confidence and attitude, making them impossible to ignore once they appear on your feed. One listen is all it takes to make you want to put in that work alongside them.

3. 4EVE

This Thai girl group recently teamed up with 88rising to release their single "Girls Like Me", signalling their growing global appeal. The collaboration alone tells you they're a group to watch.

They serve fresh, vibrant vibes with polished visuals and confident performances. With strong international backing, their influence is only expected to expand beyond the region.

4. BINI

Hailing from the Philippines, a country known for powerhouse vocals, this eight-member group continues to dominate the P-pop charts. BINI have built a strong fanbase thanks to their consistent releases and polished performances. Their music blends uplifting themes with energetic production, making their songs both catchy and empowering.

5. LUNAS

Formed in 2024 through the reality show "Sisters Who Make Waves Vietnam" (Chị đẹp đạp gió rẽ sóng), LUNAS quickly captured attention with their distinctive concept. Their dark, vampy and elegant aesthetic sets them apart from the usual bright girl group image.

With a strong visual identity and growing fan interest, they represent an exciting new chapter in Vietnam's pop scene. As they continue to release music, they're definitely a group worth keeping on your radar.

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Court Confirms D4vd As “Target” Of Murder Investigation; A Timeline Of The Case

After months of speculation and investigations, the murder case involving a 15-year-old girl from California and American singer D4vd recently got an update. New court documents show that the singer is now the official target of the investigation.

On 26th February 2026 (Thursday), news outlets reported that a Los Angeles County grand jury investigation had named D4vd the target in the killing of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas. Last September, the teenager's decomposed body was found in the singer's Tesla, abandoned at a Hollywood tow yard.

SOURCES: TWITTER (@DramaAlert & @people)

The court documents say that the singer, whose real name is David Burke, may be involved in committing murder. The documents were kept secret until recently, after the court issued subpoenas seeking D4vd's mother, father and brother to testify in the case. The Tesla was registered in the singer's name at the address of his subpoenaed family members.

D4vd's representatives haven't responded to news outlets' requests for comment on the recent update or the case. However, a judge in Texas said the singer's family members cannot ignore the subpoenas and has ordered them to testify in the case. Keep reading for a brief timeline of the case:

SOURCE: TWITTER (@Complex)

8th September 2025

On 8th September 2025 (Monday), workers at a Los Angeles tow yard reported a foul odour coming from a Tesla registered to David Anthony Burke. Police would investigate the vehicle, finding a badly decomposed body in a bag in the front trunk. At the time, D4vd was on tour and said he'd cooperated with the authorities on the matter.

16th September 2025

Days after police discovered the body, authorities identified the victim as 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose family reported her missing in 2024. Netizens would later uncover details about Celeste and D4vd's alleged connections, including speculations that the two were once romantically involved.

19th November 2025

Months after the discovery, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) names D4vd a possible suspect in connection with Celeste's death. At the same time, the authorities officially classified the case as a murder. Meanwhile, sources say that D4vd hasn't been cooperating in the investigations, despite his previous statement.

26th November 2025 – ongoing

Since late November, a Los Angeles County grand jury has been hearing evidence in the case. Meanwhile, the testimony has been ongoing since mid-November. D4vd has retained criminal defence attorney Blair Blerk to represent him in the case. His agency also halted his musical career amid the investigation.

SOURCE: TWITTER (@ABC)

As of now, investigations are ongoing, with no clear indication whether D4vd is innocent or guilty. Regardless, we hope the truth about Celeste's death will prevail and provide closure for her family.

Sources: Billboard, Associated Press

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Charles Heung & Tiffany Chen Leaving Inheritance To Daughter-In-Law Bea Hayden Instead Of Sons

Inheritance can be tricky, but many people agree that it should be passed down to close family members. However, Hong Kong film producer Charles Heung (向華強) recently surprised netizens after announcing who will manage his assets after his passing.

Earlier this week, Charles posted a video on social media, revealing the distribution of his estate. As one of the most influential figures in Hong Kong cinema, the film producer is worth billions and has a significant amount of personal wealth. However, with his increasing age, it's understandable that Charles has begun planning on how he will manage his assets once he's no longer here.

SOURCE: XIAOHONGSHU (馨馨)

SOURCE: INSTAGRAM (@heungjacky)

In his video, Charles revealed that he and his wife, film producer Tiffany Chen (陈岚), have reached a consensus, agreeing to use their estate to establish a family fund. However, the couple has entrusted their daughter-in-law, Bea Hayden (Guo Biting/郭碧婷), to manage the fund, instead of their sons, Jacky (向佐) and Jonathon (向佑). Additionally, their sons won't directly inherit their assets, but will only receive a monthly allowance from the fund.

Charles and Tiffany said the decision is to prevent their sons from squandering money or getting scammed. They also emphasised that Bea is reliable in managing money, making her the best person to manage the asset. The couple also included additional clauses in the estate, saying that any jewellery will be passed directly to their granddaughters. They also warned their sons that their allowance would stop if they stopped working because of the inheritance.

SOURCES: XIAOHONSHU (郭碧婷) & INSTAGRAM (@heungjacky)

Their son Jonathan has reportedly reacted to the decision, allegedly feeling that it was unfair. He claimed that Charles and Tiffany favoured his brother's family, giving them more direct control of the asset. Due to Jonathan's reported disapproval of the decision, Charles noted that he has blocked his son on WeChat and has refused all requests to meet. The producer added that they're only communicating through his secretary.

It's worth noting that Charles and Tiffany have previously mentioned not wanting to leave their assets to their sons to teach them independence. However, netizens were surprised that their daughter-in-law would be the one managing their assets, saying it highlights Bea's close relationship with her in-laws.

Source: Oriental Daily, XiaoHongShu

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K-pop Agency ChoCo Entertainment Issues Clarification Over Alleged N-Word In Group’s Song

In today's day and age, it's common knowledge that saying a racist slur is a big no. One pre-debut K-pop group has recently sparked backlash for allegedly using the n-word in their song, prompting a clarification from their agency.

Earlier this week, ChoCo Entertainment's trainee group, ChoCo1&2, dropped their new song, "GIMME", under the agency's musical collective ChoCo Family. The co-ed quartet is composed of members Yechan (예찬), Taejo (태조), Anpan (안판) and Yunjin (윤지), who are trainees under the label and are preparing for their official debut in the future.

SOURCES: INSTAGRAM (@official_choco__)

SOURCES: TWITTER (@jehnuhsuhs & @khiawings)

Unfortunately, the release is already facing major controversy because of Yechan's line at the beginning of the track. The K-pop trainee's opening rap line in the song was "All my neighbours want to know, 내가 누군지 (who am I) I'm gonna show." However, many argued that his pronunciation of the word "neighbours" sounded alarmingly close to the n-word.

The delivery of lyrics sparked a heated debate on social media. While some defended Yechan and confirmed that the lyric has no racist slur, others claimed that the rapper deliberately pronounced the word to mimic the n-word. Some even questioned the use of the word "neighbours", arguing that the song could have used other words with a similar meaning.

ChoCo Entertainment has issued a response to the controversy, sharing a video to clarify the lyrics. In the video, Yechan apologised for the issue, revealing that he wrote the lyrics to his rap. He also explained that he had considered many other options for the word "neighbours". However, he ultimately chose it as it sounded the best and also holds a meaning in Korean.

View this post on Instagram

SOURCES: TWITTER (@official_choco_)

The video also included a clip of Yechan's recording of the song to dispel the n-word allegations. Netizens have reacted to Yechan and ChoCo Entertainment's apology and clarification, once again showing mixed reactions. While some accepted the explanation, others still showed scepticism.

Some netizens also urged Yechan to change the lyrics to avoid further backlash. As of now, it appears there's no plan to revise the lyrics. In the meantime, fans are expressing support for Yechan amid the controversy.

Sources: Twitter (1)(2)

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